Brain Aneurysms & Beyond

From rupture to recovery: Mike Kapur OBE on rebuilding life after a brain aneurysm

When a brain aneurysm [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/brain-aneurysms-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-faqs] ruptures without warning, the impact is immediate and life-changing. In this episode of Brain Aneurysms & Beyond [https://www.hbasupport.org/podcast], host Rebecca Middleton is joined by Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE to discuss his experience of surviving a sudden rupture and bleed and rebuilding his life afterwards. Rebecca is the founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [https://www.hbasupport.org/], and is herself a brain aneurysm patient. Mike describes the early morning when intense pain struck, and he was rushed to hospital. He talks through his transfer for specialist neurosurgery, the relief of a successful first operation, and the shock of needing a second procedure soon after. That setback left him shaken and uncertain about what recovery would look like. Once home, the challenges continued. Fatigue shaped his days. Confidence dipped. Tasks that once felt effortless required patience. Mike reflects on the loneliness that can follow discharge, even when family are close by, and how informal rehabilitation support helped him understand his limits. Over time, he began to rebuild steadily. Sleep became a priority. Exercise turned into a discipline rather than an afterthought. He explains how he moved from fear of recurrence toward a more balanced outlook, accepting vulnerability while refusing to be defined by it. Ten months after his first operation, Mike returned to full duties. He speaks about how his perspective has changed since the rupture and why he now focuses on what is in front of him rather than looking too far ahead. He also reflects on the strength he drew from his family during the hardest moments. His account is honest and rooted in lived experience. Highlights: [00:00] Intro from Rebecca Middleton [01:09] Mike Kapur describes life before this aneurysm [02:16] How looking after the body also helps the head [03:34] The day of Mike's brain aneurysm [05:25] The difficulty of a second operation [07:35] Tricky transition from hospital to home [11:23] Rebecca asks about "old Mike" v "new Mike" [12:44] Why you shouldn't see an aneurysm as "your fault"   [17:00] Mike's learnings [19:15] Mike's advice for those in a similar situation [24:09] Outro from Rebecca, including helpful links Featuring: Mike Kapur OBE Rebecca Middleton, founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [https://www.hbasupport.org/] Resources: HBA Support https://hbasupport.org [https://hbasupport.org] This podcast is also available to watch as a captioned video at https://youtube.com/@hbasupport [https://youtube.com/@hbasupport] Podcast production and editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM https://madebydbm.com/podcasts [https://madebydbm.com/podcasts]

In Their Words 2: Maria's brain aneurysm story

In this episode of In Their Words, a special mini series from the Brain Aneurysms & Beyond podcast, Maria shares her personal experience of surviving a subarachnoid haemorrhage [https://www.hbasupport.org/#:~:text=subarachnoid%20haemorrhage%20(SAH)] after a brain aneurysm rupture [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/brain-aneurysms-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-faqs#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20a-,Ruptured%20Aneurysm,-A%20ruptured%20aneurysm], and finding her way through recovery. Maria talks to host Rebecca Middleton from Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [https://www.hbasupport.org/] about the moment everything changed, from collapsing at home to waking up in intensive care with no memory of what had happened. She describes the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including time in rehabilitation and relearning how to walk. Her story is honest and grounded, shaped by determination rather than drama. The conversation also explores the impact on Maria’s family and how their support helped her through the most difficult stages. Maria reflects on living with anxiety and PTSD, what it took to regain confidence, and how she learned to focus on progress rather than fear. She explains why she chose to keep her brain active and stay engaged with everyday life. Maria also speaks openly about inherited risk, as brain aneurysms run in her family. Her perspective highlights why awareness and early action can make a real difference. This episode offers reassurance to anyone recovering from a brain aneurysm, adjusting to life after hospital, or supporting someone close to them. Maria’s story is practical and full of quiet encouragement.   Episode highlights: [00:00] Intro from host Rebecca Middleton [00:57] Guest Maria shares when her brain aneurysm happened [01:42] Rebecca asks Maria what she remembers about her treatment [02:49] Maria's determination to walk again [04:31] What Maria found most challenging during recovery [05:06] Rebecca asks Maria how her family supported her [07:00] Maria talks about PTSD [08:18] Maria explains how aneurysms run in her family [13:05] Advice for people recovering from brain aneurysms [15:14] Outro from Rebecca and helpful links   Featuring: Maria (guest) Rebecca Middleton (host, and founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [https://www.hbasupport.org/]) Resources: HBA Support https://hbasupport.org [https://hbasupport.org] This podcast is also available as a captioned video at https://youtu.be/x5hn6Yln8xg [https://youtu.be/x5hn6Yln8xg]  Podcast production and editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM https://madebydbm.com/podcasts [https://madebydbm.com/podcasts]

ROAR-DNA - A groundbreaking new genetic study exploring brain aneurysm risk

In this episode of Brain Aneurysms & Beyond, we explore the ground-breaking ROAR (Risk of Aneurysm Rupture) DNA genetic study [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/world-first-brain-aneurysm-genetic-study]; research that could reshape how family risk is understood in the years ahead. Guest host Vivienne Parry brings together consultant neurosurgeon Professor Diederik Bulters and clinical lecturer in neurosurgery Ben Gaastra, along with Rebecca Middleton, founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [https://www.hbasupport.org/] and patient partner on the study, to unpack what this work might mean for the future of care. This conversation balances science with humanity, explaining how a simple blood sample could one day help us understand who in a family is at risk of having a hereditary brain aneurysm [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/brain-aneurysms-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-faqs], and who may not need ongoing scans. They discuss what researchers hope to learn, and how the study works in practice, including how you can get involved. You’ll hear how this research could help make NHS screening more targeted and support better decision-making for families navigating inherited risk. Rebecca also shares her personal reasons for joining the research team as a patient partner, offering warmth, honesty and hope for future generations. Whether you’re living with a brain aneurysm, supporting a family member, or simply wanting to understand how genetics might shape future care, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a forward-looking glimpse at what’s possible.   Episode Highlights:  [00:00] Introduction from Rebecca Middleton [00:50] Guests Diederik Bulters and Ben Gaastra intro themselves [01:42] Guest host Vivienne Parry intros herself [02:17] Prof. Bulters highlights the three big problems the study aims to solve [06:25] Rebecca Middleton on how the study could eventually mean the end of scans [08:18] Ben Gaastra explains ROAR-DNA and why it's a landmark study [10:53] How can people get involved with the study? [13:40] Prof. Bulters discusses the timeline for change [18:40] Rebecca shares how aneurysms have affected her family [21:23] Prof Bulters explains how the study could save the NHS money [23:51] Will the study keep participants' data safe? [25:51] What does being a patient partner mean for HBA Support? [27:25] Outro from Rebecca and helpful links   Featuring: Vivienne Parry – Science writer, broadcaster and guest host Rebecca Middleton – Founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support and ROAR-DNA patient partner Professor Diederik Bulters – Chief Investigator of the ROAR Study. Consultant neurosurgeon and professor of neurosurgery Ben Gaastra – Clinical lecturer in neurosurgery and ROAR / ROAR-DNA investigator   Resources: HBA Support (Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support) – https://hbasupport.org [https://hbasupport.org] ROAR and ROAR-DNA study - https://roarstudy.co.uk/ [https://roarstudy.co.uk/] Captioned video version of this episode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NG45g5U_ig [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NG45g5U_ig] Podcast production & editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM – https://madebydbm.com/podcasts [https://madebydbm.com/podcasts]

In Their Words 1: Andy's brain aneurysm story

Recovering from a brain aneurysm [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/brain-aneurysms-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-faqs] isn’t only about the physical journey, it’s also about rebuilding emotional confidence. In this inspiring episode, host Rebecca Middleton, founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support, [https://www.hbasupport.org/]is joined by Andy, who shares his personal story with honesty, humour and optimism, reflecting on how recovery has shaped his outlook and daily life. You’ll discover what recovery really looks like beyond the hospital walls, including the moments of doubt, resilience, and gratitude that follow a brain aneurysm diagnosis. The conversation explores how to regain confidence in everyday activities, recognise signs of progress, and find purpose through connection and self-belief. Andy opens up about the emotional impact of his experience, how support from HBA Support and others made a difference, and what’s helped him rebuild a positive mindset. You’ll learn practical ways to move forward, from small self-care routines that make recovery less daunting, to strategies that help manage lingering anxiety and uncertainty. Rebecca and Andy discuss the value of community, the importance of talking openly about the journey, and how hope can grow even in the most challenging times. Whether you’re recovering yourself, supporting someone close to you, or simply looking for reassurance about what comes next, this conversation offers encouragement, warmth, and practical insights for life after a brain aneurysm. Episode highlights: [00:00] Intro from HBA Support founder, Rebecca Middleton [00:47] The moment everything changed for Andy [04:49] Andy’s brain aneurysm recovery journey  [07:23] Emotional as well as physical challenges [09:06] Rebecca explains what a subarachnoid haemorrhage is [09:55] While Andy found NHS support lacking, HBA Support is invaluable [12:17] Andy’s advice for those starting their brain aneurysm journey [14:39] Helpful links and contact details from Rebecca   Featuring: Rebecca Middleton (host) & Andy (guest) Resources: HBA Support https://hbasupport.org [https://hbasupport.org] This podcast is also available as a captioned video at youtube.com/@hbasupport [https://youtube.com/@hbasupport] Podcast production & editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM https://madebydbm.com/podcasts [https://madebydbm.com]

How to live with health anxiety

Health anxiety after a brain aneurysm [https://www.hbasupport.org/post/brain-aneurysms-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-faqs]diagnosis is very understandable, but it can be managed. In this uplifting episode, Rebecca Middleton from Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support [http://hbasupport.org] is joined by Kym Winter, a psychotherapist and founder/clinical director of Rareminds, to share practical ways to move from worry towards confidence, resilience and hope. In this episode of Brain Aneurysms and Beyond, you’ll discover how to recognise anxiety early, understand why it shows up, and use practical tools to reduce its grip. You’ll find out how to build psychological “muscles” for coping, use simple techniques to “park” unhelpful worry, and reframe spiralling thoughts before they take over. The conversation looks at real-world challenges too: making screening decisions with clearer heads, easing family tensions that can follow a diagnosis, and offering age-appropriate reassurance for children. You’ll also hear how community and peer support through HBA Support reduces isolation, connects you with people who understand, and points you towards trustworthy information when anxiety spikes. Throughout, the emphasis is on hope and action. You’ll come away with practical ideas you can try today — from small self-care habits that calm the body, to mindset shifts that build long-term resilience. Whether you’re living with an aneurysm, supporting a loved one, or looking for reassurance about the future, this episode shows how anxiety can be acknowledged without letting it define the journey, and how support, knowledge and community can help you move forward with confidence. Episode highlights: [00:00] Intro with Rebecca Middleton from HBA Support   [01:07] Rebecca's aneurysm journey   [03:37] Help for overcoming fear in the early stages of diagnosis   [04:15] Developing psychological muscles to cope with anxiety   [06:40] Putting worry on the shelf   [08:40] The importance of community: you're not alone   [11:22] Coping with screening decisions   [17:31] Navigating family tensions   [24:55] Acknowledging health worries to move forward   [27:08] Treating yourself!   [29:45] Outro. Rebecca shares key resources and links for ongoing support   Featuring: Rebecca Middleton (host) & Kym Winter (Rareminds).  Resources: HBA Support: https://hbasupport.org [https://hbasupport.org] Rareminds: https://www.rareminds.org [https://www.rareminds.org] This podcast is also available as a captioned video at youtube.com/@hbasupport [https://www.youtube.com/@hbasupport] Podcast production & editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM: https://madebydbm.com/podcasts [https://madebydbm.com]